WHAT’S NEW

• Spotlight On New Work: Andromeda
Maybe You CAN Teach an Old Dog….

As a self-described “pathologically organized” left-brained person, I often joke about how much I would love to be able to come up with the occasional funky, less controlled design. Over on Craftsy.com, where I teach a class entitled Brilliant Knit Beads, I challenge students to try something new. So I decided that it was time to take my own advice. With lots of inspiration from the wonderful work my students are doing, I’ve taken a step in that direction with this new one-of-a-kind necklace called Andromeda. You can call this necklace a lot of things, but “controlled” would not likely top the list. It was so much fun to make, is SO much fun to wear and makes me laugh. I’m going to post this picture over on Craftsy as well. Let me know what you think! :-)



• Come Take a Class with Me Without Leaving Home!!
‘Brilliant Knit Beads’ Now Available on Craftsy.com

If you’d like to learn how to make and use my wonderful bead knit beads but can’t get to a group class, I can now bring this class directly to you! I worked with the great folks at Craftsy.com to film a new class entitled “Brilliant Knit Beads” and you can sign up and watch it in streaming video on your computer from the comfort of your own home. At your pace. On your time schedule. You can ask questions and I’ll answer them. AND……you can watch the class as many times as you’d like. Forever. Wow.

Brilliant Beads Title Card

Follow this link to view class previews and learn more:     Brilliant Knit Beads      Go now!  :-)

 



• Spotlight On New Work:   Meander I
New One-of-a-Kind Necklace

Meander I NecklaceWow, did my life change when I signed on to write Betsy Beads! And it has changed even more since the book was released in March. Rare are those leisurely days in my studio when I have lots of time and creative “head space” to play with my fabulous stash of beads, yarn and findings. More often I spend much of my time responding to email from friendly knitters, from kind folks inquiring about my traveling to teach or I’m actually preparing to teach somewhere around the country. Please know that I am NOT complaining. I know just how fortunate I am. But I also have a huge backlog of enticing ideas for pieces that are just aching to be realized. I often describe my knitter’s brain as feeling like an airport runway, with lines of planes (ideas) waiting to take off. So I am happy to report that one of those “planes” has achieved lift off. I had to work on it in fits and starts, grabbing bits of time where I could. I find the design interestingly reflective of how I am able to work these days. It is comprised of little fits and starts – individual, knit-wrapped beads embellished with wandering metallic thread. These, in turn, are connected by a meandering, tightly bead-knit pathway. If you’d like to zoom in on the details of this piece, you can also view it in the One-of-a-Kind Necklace Gallery. As always, happy to hear your impressions.



• I’m Gonna Be In Pictures!!   Summer 2012
Look for my upcoming Bead Knitting Class on Craftsy.com

Craftsy Logo fullI’m really excited (and flattered! ) to announce that I have been asked to teach a  Bead Knitting video class for Craftsy.com. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this innovative new website, you need to check it out ASAP. Classes are streamed to students in full HD video with the kind of production values usually reserved for Hollywood! And their platform allows you to buy and then watch the video on your computer or mobile tablet as many times as you’d like, with access to the same functions as your TV’s DVR – pause, rewind, fast forward, etc. – FOREVER! You can also tag the video with reminders of places you’d like to revisit, post questions for the instructor and engage with the community of students who have also signed on for the class.  Welcome to  education, 21st century style!

The class will offer great basic bead knitting techniques as well as lots of variations on my fun, fabulous (and slightly addictive…) bead knitted beads. I’ll be filming in Denver in early June and will post an update about the class launch date as soon as I have it. Now you can take one of my classes from the comfort of your own home! What will they think of next?

Visit Craftsy.com



• Yarnings Shop to Host Workshop, Book Signing, Trunk Show & Sale
Friday & Saturday, May 18 & 19,2012 in Skippack, PA

An exciting weekend is coming up in my local area! Yarnings is a beautiful yarn shop in Skippack, PA, about 30 minutes north of Philadelphia. On Friday evening May 18, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, they are hosting a book signing, trunk show and sale of jewelry. You’ll be able to buy my book, Betsy Beads, view selected pieces from the book and I’m also bringing along lots of One-of-a-Kind and Limited Edition jewelry that will be available for sale. The following day, Saturday May 19, I’ll be teaching my Design & Knit Beaded Bracelet class  from 9 – 4 pm and the Trunk Show and Sale will continue. And of course you’ll be able to take a gander at all the fabulous fiber that Yarnings has to offer. Stop by and say hello!

 

             

For directions to the shop and further information, visit the Yarnings website



• New Website!!

With the publication of my new book and so many exciting opportunities coming up in the future, I decided that it was the perfect time to “freshen up” the website.

More news, more pictures, more links to resources and friends and, believe it or not, I’ve decided to tiptoe into the social media universe. (read Brave New World, below.)

Who says you can’t teach an old dog….? Look around! As always, I’m happy to hear what you think.



• Betsy Beads: Confessions of a Left-Brained Knitter
Now Available from XRX, Inc and Your Favorite Retailer

It’s here!! I’m so excited to share that after two and a half years of work, my book has been released and is available for purchase.

First copies were made available at the Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat in Tacoma, WA and the formal launch of the book took place at Stitches WEST in Santa Clara, CA. The reception has been beyond any and all expectations. XRX, Inc., my publisher, has already ordered a 2nd printing! Wow.

Thanks to everyone who has already bought the book and for so many kind words already shared. Betsy Beads is out there and the adventure has begun!

Buy Betsy Beads here: Betsy Beads or from your favorite retailer

Book Cover Photos: Alexis Xenakis, XRX, Inc., © 2012



• Brave New World

While in the past I have occasionally “lurked” online, I’ve felt no need to establish a presence of my own on any of the myriad social media sites. I often confess that I am a natural recluse, happy to spend time alone, be it knitting in my studio, reading a book, cooking, going for a walk, whatever. I don’t understand the word “bored.” There is always something to do that interests me. When I venture out, it’s my choice – to spend time with friends or family, to share my love of knitting with others by teaching, etc. I’m in control – just where this left brained girl is most comfortable.

With the launch of this new website, however, it has been suggested to me that I should think about entering the brave new world of social media. “Don’t be afraid,” people say. “Everybody’s doing it.” Sigh… so confusing.

Lucky for me, a trusted friend has advised me that my site doesn’t have to be social media “driven,” it just has to be social media “friendly” and I like the sound of that. So for now, at the bottom of each page you’ll find Facebook and Twitter icons to share what you see and like here and an icon link to my Designer page on Ravelry, the wonderful website devoted to all things Knit and Crochet. This way I can start slowly. It’s the left-brained thing to do. In return, I hope you will continue to connect with me about your knitting life via the email contact on the website. I love seeing and hearing about what you’re working on.

Baby steps? Maybe… But moving forward. And that’s always a good thing.



• Next Stop? Stitches Midwest
August 9-12, 2012 Schaumburg, IL

If I decide to leave my cozy summer cabin in Maine in August ( and miss my husband’s birthday this year! ), it must be for a good reason and Stitches Midwest IS a good reason. Betsy Beads will again be available for sale in the fabulous Stitches Market where I’ll be doing book signings and demos. Even more Market vendors will have kits with all of the fibers, beads and findings for creating some of the most popular projects from the book. Look for a large listing of these vendors in the XRX booth as you enter the Market. When I’m not teaching classes or in the Market, look for me in one of the hotel’s many relaxing nooks and crannies that are perfect for knitting and making new friends.

Hope you’ll find me and say hello. More info and class registration here: Stitches MIDWEST



• Spotlight on Work
Check In and Check Out Some of My Favorite Pieces, Old & New

With the launch of the new website, I thought it might be fun to look back at the first Studio B necklace I featured on the original website when it launched in 2007. This has always been one of my favorites and was purchased by a dear friend – a very stylish woman whose support meant everything to me as I was just starting to sell my work. She tells me she still gets compliments every time she wears it. So grateful for good friends!